Kathmandu: Nepal’s Department of Archaeology on July 6 hosted a repatriation ceremony for the two sacred treasures returned home. They include a 13th-century gilt bronze Padmapani and a 16th-century polychromed wooden Nrityadevi.
The US Embassy stated that the United States is proud to partner with Nepal in the return of these significant cultural artifacts, reflecting years of close cooperation to combat the illicit trafficking of cultural property and restore sacred objects to the communities where they belong. The newly enacted U.S.-Nepal Cultural Property Agreement builds on this longstanding partnership and provides a stronger framework for future collaboration, including joint efforts to support investigations, prevent trafficking, and safeguard Nepal’s rich cultural heritage.
The Public Affairs Chief of the Embassy, Mike Harker, spoke at event where he stated, “To date, 127 Nepali antiquities have been returned from the United States to their rightful homes in Nepal,” he said, “With the return of these two sacred statues, that record of cooperation grows stronger and demonstrates how criminal investigations, diplomatic coordination, and community advocacy can work together to disrupt antiquities trafficking networks. The new U.S.-Nepal Cultural Property Agreement gives our two countries an even stronger foundation to build on this work, support future investigations, and help prevent Nepal’s sacred heritage from entering the illicit market.”
The United States congratulated the Government and people of Nepal on this important milestone and remains committed to working alongside Nepal to protect cultural heritage, uphold the rule of law, and preserve the country’s remarkable history for future generations.
